Lutheran East defeats Columbus Academy 53-49 to claim OHSAA Division V boys basketball state championship

State final decided in final minutes at UD Arena

Cleveland Heights Lutheran East secured the OHSAA Division V boys basketball state championship with a 53-49 win over Gahanna Columbus Academy on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at UD Arena in Dayton. The matchup paired two unbeaten teams in a title game that also carried historical weight: it was played under Ohio’s then-new divisional alignment that created an inaugural Division V state champion.

The game unfolded as a low-margin contest with frequent momentum shifts. Lutheran East built enough separation late to withstand Columbus Academy’s push in the closing possessions, sealing the title without a decisive run that fully broke the game open.

How the game turned

Columbus Academy entered the final seeking the school’s first boys basketball state championship. The Vikings stayed within reach throughout, including stretches where their defense held Lutheran East to limited perimeter production. By the end of the third quarter, the teams were tied at 37, setting up a fourth period where execution on half-court possessions and defensive rebounding became pivotal.

Lutheran East’s advantage came through balance and late-game composure. With multiple players contributing scoring, the Falcons reduced the impact of any single matchup and maintained offensive stability when possessions tightened. Columbus Academy, meanwhile, relied heavily on junior standout Jason Singleton, who had been a central figure in the team’s undefeated run and postseason surge.

Program context: Lutheran East’s run continues

The championship marked Lutheran East’s third consecutive boys basketball state title (2023, 2024, 2025), extending one of the state’s most notable active championship streaks. The 2025 title added to a broader history of state success for the program, which has won championships across multiple eras and divisions.

For Columbus Academy, the loss closed a season defined by consistent wins and a strong senior class, culminating in a first trip to the state final in boys basketball. The Vikings’ path underscored the program’s growth within central Ohio’s competitive landscape, even as the final step—winning a title—remained out of reach in Dayton.

Key facts

• Event: OHSAA Division V boys basketball state championship game
• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Site: UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio
• Final score: Lutheran East 53, Columbus Academy 49
• Notable context: Inaugural Division V state champion under the newer OHSAA divisional structure

The title game showcased two unbeaten teams in a four-quarter test where a tied third-quarter score gave way to a narrow Lutheran East finish.

The result reinforced Lutheran East’s standing as a statewide standard in boys basketball while providing Columbus Academy a benchmark season that reached the sport’s highest in-state stage.